The Down Syndrome Association of Toronto (DSAT) Board of Directors is made up of volunteers who are committed to the vision and mission of the association. These volunteers have a personal or professional relationship to people with Down syndrome. Each year nominations are accepted for vacant Board positions and new Board members are elected at the Annual General Meeting.
DSAT PRESIDENT – DR. FRAN MARINIC JAFFER
Dr. Fran Marinic Jaffer proudly joins the Down Syndrome Association of Toronto. Dr. Marinic-Jaffer has been supporting families and students for over 30 years to support inclusive education initiatives at elementary, secondary and post-secondary levels. She holds a Masters Degree in Special Education, Adaptive Instruction from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. Within the context of these studies, she focused on inclusive education and adaptive instruction to provide accommodations to students with disabilities to access mainstream, regular class curriculum. She further focused on the area of Trisomy 21 Down Syndrome and the role of neurological diversity and adaptive instruction to meet the individual disability accommodation needs of students with Trisomy 21 Down Syndrome to access regular class mainstream curriculum. Dr. Fran Marinic-Jaffer has been helping families for over 26 years to permanently immigrate to Canada in cases of medical inadmissibility on the basis of disability. Her work entails preparation of future care plans to support these individuals to settle in Canada. Within the scope of her practice, she has provided assistance to families from the United States, Israel, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong Ethiopia and Dubai with various disabilities including Down Syndrome, Autism, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury and muscular dystrophy. Dr. Marinic-Jaffer also holds a Doctorate in Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in the area of disability and inclusion with a focus on policy and practice. She also holds a Juris Doctorate from Windsor Law School and is currently a Barrister and Solicitor in Toronto.
MIKE WEIR – TREASURER
Mike is a retired executive with 35 years of experience in the Investment Management Industry and the volunteer Treasurer of DSAT. Michael has 3 children and became involved with DSAT shortly after his daughter Kimberly was born with Down Syndrome in 1992. Kimberly has made many friends through DSAT and its programs like Dance Rock.
JONATHAN HUGHES
Jonathan is an experienced IT professional based in Toronto, specializing in healthcare technology for a leading downtown hospital. Since 2011, he has been actively involved with the Down Syndrome Association of Toronto (DSAT) following the birth of his daughter. Drawing on his IT expertise, Jonathan has been instrumental in helping DSAT leverage modern technology to keep its community informed about the organization’s programs and services. In addition to his technical contributions, he actively supports DSAT’s fundraising initiatives, helping to drive awareness and financial support for its mission.
NISHA HASAN
Nisha’s passion for advocacy and wanting to do more is influenced by her younger brother with Down syndrome. She is a marketing and communications specialist working in the mining industry. Speaking to thousands of investors globally, she joined the Down Syndrome Association of Toronto’s board to share her networking skills, connect with supporters and advance the organizations mission. Nisha is committed to raising awareness and challenging the stigma associated with disability.
RICHARD CARTER
The Bio is coming soon.
ROBERT LEWIS
Robert is a graphic designer and illustrator for film and television. He joined the DSAT Board after years of enjoying the organization’s many activities and events with his growing twin boys (one of whom, Nathaniel, was born with DS). He welcomes the opportunity to work with experts, educators, and above all, the many families of our community to exchange experiences and ideas, improve public perception and awareness, and enrich the lives of those living with Down Syndrome.
REENA PABARI
Reena is a pediatrician in Toronto who joined the DSAT board in 2022. She has a young daughter with Down syndrome and is passionate about advocating for the inclusion of people with disabilities. As a member of the DSAT board, she hopes to contribute to the development of programs for new families and young children.
KATHLEEN DELA CRUZ – Community Relations and Program Coordinator
Kathleen recently completed her Social Service Worker diploma and has joined DSAT with a passion for empowering individuals of all abilities to thrive. She has experience working for many non-profit organizations throughout the Greater Toronto Area and aims to utilize her skill set to help advocate for inclusive social and recreational programming. Through fundraising initiatives and community outreach, she seeks to create lasting, positive changes that align with DSAT’s mission. By joining the DSAT team, she hopes to make a meaningful difference in her community.
DYLAN SILVER – Program and Event Coordinator
Dylan is currently pursuing a degree in kinesiology and is passionate about promoting inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment for individuals with Down syndrome. He hopes to support DSAT by contributing to inclusive recreational programming that fosters connection, confidence, and community. With a strong interest in advocacy and adaptive physical activity, Dylan looks forward to creating meaningful experiences that align with DSAT’s mission and values.